Customizing Sample Mesh Bags

Equipment / Materials Required

• A cheap soldering iron. We use one like this. If you already have a soldering iron, we suggest purchasing a set of iron tips to set aside and use for just this purpose. 

• Nylon mesh biopsy bags. We purchase them in bulk from here but any nylon mesh will work. White or noncolored is preferred since it is possible for dyes to leach into surrounding solutions. 

• An aluminum working surface. A thin sheet like this from McMaster is a good option. Ceramic will also work, but you want to avoid anything that can burn on melt like wood or plastics. 

• A metal architectural ruler or metal bar, like this from McMaster. 

• (Optional) 3D printed letter tabs. Formlabs Clear Resin works, as does Somos WaterShed XC 11122, or nylon.
  .stl files can be downloaded here. 

• (Optional) UV cure adhesive to secure the letter tabs to the mesh. Norland 85 works well and can be purchased here.

• (Optional) UV cure flashlight or pen light. Any cheap one from Amazon will do the trick. 

Changing Mesh Size and Shape

1. Turn the soldering iron on to it's highest temperature. The temperature we use in-house is 480°F, but exact temperature needed may depend on the specific soldering iron and tip being used. 

2. Place the mesh bag on the aluminum working surface. It is best not to use wood or any plastics that can melt. 

3. If you want a straight seam, use a metal ruler or bar to press down on the bag at the location of the desired seam as in the images below. We also use a 3D printed jig to create consistently sized bags. 

4. Slowly drag the soldering iron tip along the mesh.  Ideally this will seal and cut the mesh. You may need to experiment with your particular tip and dragging speed to achieve this. It may be necessary to cut at the seam with scissors as well if it doesn't detach by itself. 

Attaching Letter Tabs 

1. 3D print the letter tabs from the files above, and use a Sharpie to color the raised text if desired. 

2. We recommend cutting the top tab of the mesh bag in a triangle with scissors as in the photos below. This allows the tabs to attach, and leave room to slide the tabs onto the Sample Ring. 

3. Arrange the mesh bags and tabs on a piece of cardboard or unimportant, flat surface. Place the tabs with the letters facing down and the mesh bags with the open side facing up.

4. Put a drop of UV cure adhesive on the back side of the letter tabs. 

5. Carefully put the mesh bags on top of the tabs in the desired position. 

6. Cure the adhesive with a UV light.

Potential Shapes / Designs